Pongal
The Adiveda Weekly #80
Hari Aum Sadhakas
Welcome to this week's insightful exploration as we delve into the vibrant celebration of Pongal, a major festival in South Bharat that marks the auspicious transition from the old to the new. As we embark on this cultural journey, we'll unravel the rich tapestry of Pongal, a four-day affair steeped in tradition and symbolism. From Bhogi Pongal, where old baggage is symbolically burned, to the joyous festivities of Thai Pongal and the heartfelt gratitude expressed in Mattu Pongal, we will traverse the diverse customs that make this harvest festival a profound cultural experience. Join us in understanding the historical roots of Pongal, its connection to ancient traditions, and the timeless significance it holds in our lives. Let the warmth of freshly harvested grains, the essence of rituals, and the spirit of togetherness infuse this week's reflections with the joyous spirit of Pongal. Loka Samasthat Sukhino Bhavantu! (Let the Whole World be Happy!)
-Adiveda Team
The full blog for this week:
The Sanatana Dharma
Pongal is one of the major festivals of South Bharat. This festival is celebrated for a period of four days, beginning with the day before Makara Sankranti. Makara Sankranti is always on the fourteenth of January, as it is the only Hindu festival that follows the solar calendar, so it always falls on the same day. It is the day on which the sun begins its northern journey and comes into the tenth house of the Vedic zodiac, which is makara or Capricorn. It is the beginning of the six-month period of the Hindu calendar known as “Uttarayanam” or the northward path of the sun. The Pongal festival is a four-day affair. Each day is marked by different festivities. The first day is known as “Bhogi Pongal,” the second day is called “Thai Pongal,” the third day is known as “Mattu Pongal,” and the fourth day is called “Kaanum Pongal.”
Reflection of the Week
On this auspicious day, the sun is worshipped as the embodiment of the divine. The sun is considered the pratyaksha devata or “the god that is visible to our eyes.”
Ayurvedic health tip of the week
Hypertension, or an elevated blood pressure, is a common condition faced by many today. Often times the root cause of hypertension is not established, so here are a few tips in helping you to investigate what the root cause might be with your practitioner. 1) Sleep apnoea - do you snore at night? Do you sometimes wake up breathless or choking in the middle of the night? If so, you may have undiagnosed sleep apnoea, which can often be a causative factor of hypertension. Ask your practitioner if this is reasonable cause for concern and if they can help you in working this up further. 2) Stress and anxiety - how are your stress levels? Do you notice a direct correlation between stress and elevated blood pressure? If so - anxiety could be a big piece to managing your hypertension, further to meds. Consider addressing your stress and anxiety as a critical part of your hypertension management if so and do try to prioritize it.
Mantra of the Week
Important dates this week
Pongal January 15, 2024
Books by Mataji:
Hindu Way of Life Volume 1 & 2
We started the Adiveda newsletter to expand further on the teachings written in the The Hindu Way of life Volume 1 and Volume 2. These books shed light given to us by our great rishis was the only way by which we could help all people to free themselves from the burden of a stress-filled life. These wonderful books are available for purchase and can be delivered worldwide.
If you are interested in purchasing copies of any of Mataji’s books, please email: Vanamaliashram@gmail.com
Announcements
Video series of Vanamali Mataji in Egypt
In October 2023, Vanamali Mataji joined a group to Egypt, hosted by the Ananda College in California, USA.
She visited various sacred places and temples along the Nile and is inviting us in on Her experiences.
Videos are released every Wednesday to Vanamali Mataji’s YouTube channel. Click herefor the latest video.
We hope you enjoy experiencing Egypt through the eyes of Vanamali Mataji.
Bhagavad Gita Discourse
The Song Celestial - Bhagavad Gita Discourse
Vanamali Mataji’s two offerings to understand and love the Bhagavad Gita
Starting January 17th, 2024, Vanamali Mataji will be hosting Her Bhagavad Gita Discourse at Vanamali Ashram in Rishikesh. Sessions will be from 11am-12/12:30pm IST and streamed via Instagram Live.
For those who are interested in starting sooner or are unable to join the January Discourse, the Discourse in December 2022 was professionally recorded and is made available on donation basis. However much the contribution, it serves to honor the efforts of filming. The recordings are shared weekly and address one chapter every week. For anyone interested in receiving the recordings, please contactvanamalibhagavadgita@gmail.com. The Introduction is available in full on YouTube (see link below).
To deepen the teachings of the Discourse, Vanamali Mataji recommends reading along Vanamali’s “Srimad Bhagavad Gita” and commentary “Nitya Yoga” If you would like to acquire a copy, please contactvanamali2@gmail.com. Books ship internationally.
Hari Aum Tat Sat.
Click here for the Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita on YouTube!
Where to connect with Mataji
Mataji will host Live Question and Answer on her Instagram page
…. EVERY Sunday at 11am IST!
Vanamali Matajis Youtube
At your service,
The Adiveda Team